from εἰρηνοποιός; to be a peace-maker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize:--make peace.
Transliteration:eirēnopoiéō
Pronunciation:i-ray-nop-oy-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb eirēnopoiéō (G1517) is a compound word derived from eirēnē (`{{G1515}}`, "peace") and poiéō (`{{G4160}}`, "to do, to make"). Its base definition, "to be a peace-maker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize," accurately captures its essence. It signifies an active, intentional engagement in the process of bringing about peace, reconciliation, or harmony. This is not a passive state of peace but an dynamic act of creating or restoring it. The word implies overcoming division, conflict, or alienation to establish a state of well-being and right relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, eirēnopoiéō (G1517) appears only once in the entire New Testament, yet its single occurrence is in a passage of profound Christological significance:
* **Colossians 1:20:** "and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace (eirēnopoiéō) by the blood of his cross." [[Colossians 1:20]]
* **Agent of Peace:** The subject of eirēnopoiéō here is Christ Himself. This underscores His unique and divine role as the ultimate Peacemaker. It is not a human endeavor but a divine accomplishment.
* **Scope of Peace:** The peace made by Christ is cosmic in its reach, encompassing "all things, whether on earth or in heaven." This indicates that sin had introduced discord and alienation not only between God and humanity but also within the entire created order. Christ's work aims to restore harmony to the whole cosmos.
* **Means of Peace:** The crucial phrase "by the blood of his cross" identifies the sacrificial death of Christ as the sole means by which this peace is achieved. This points to the atoning nature of the cross, where Christ's sacrifice satisfied divine justice and removed the barrier of sin, making reconciliation possible. This peace is therefore not a result of human effort, negotiation, or compromise, but a divine act of propitiation and expiation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of eirēnopoiéō is deeply intertwined with several key biblical themes:
* **Peace (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`):** This is the foundational concept. Biblical peace, akin to the Hebrew shalom (`{{H7965}}`), denotes wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and right relationship, especially with God. Eirēnopoiéō is the active verb describing the *making* or *bringing about* of this comprehensive peace.
* **Peacemaker (eirēnopoiós, `{{G1518}}`):** The noun form, meaning "a maker of peace," is famously found in [[Matthew 5:9]]: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." While eirēnopoiéō describes Christ's divine work, eirēnopoiós describes the human calling to imitate God's character by actively promoting peace in their sphere of influence.
* **Reconciliation (katallassō, `{{G2644}}`; apokatallassō, `{{G604}}`):** As seen in [[Colossians 1:20]], eirēnopoiéō is directly linked to reconciliation. To make peace is to reconcile, to restore a broken relationship from enmity to friendship. This is particularly significant in the context of humanity's alienation from God due to sin.
* **Atonement:** The "blood of his cross" explicitly connects eirēnopoiéō to the doctrine of atonement. Christ's death is the means by which God's wrath against sin is appeased, and humanity is brought into a state of peace with God.
* **The Gospel of Peace:** The good news proclaimed by Christ and His apostles is often referred to as the "gospel of peace" ([[Ephesians 2:17]]; [[Ephesians 6:15]]). This highlights that the core message of Christianity is the establishment of peace with God through faith in Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of eirēnopoiéō in [[Colossians 1:20]] carries immense theological weight:
* **Christ as the Ultimate Peacemaker:** This verse unequivocally establishes Christ as the divine agent who actively brings about peace. This peace is not merely a cessation of hostilities but a profound, holistic reconciliation between God and His creation. It underscores that human efforts alone cannot bridge the chasm created by sin.
* **The Cross as the Means of Peace:** The phrase "by the blood of his cross" is foundational. It teaches that true peace with God is not achieved through human merit, moral striving, or religious ritual, but solely through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The peace is costly, purchased by divine blood.
* **Cosmic Reconciliation:** The scope of Christ's peace-making extends beyond individual salvation to the entire cosmos. This suggests a grand redemptive plan to restore harmony and order to all creation, which was disrupted by the fall. This has implications for understanding the future hope of a new heavens and new earth.
* **Foundation for Human Peacemaking:** While eirēnopoiéō describes Christ's unique divine act, it provides the theological basis and motivation for human beings to be "peacemakers" (eirēnopoiós, `{{G1518}}`). Our ability and calling to promote peace in the world flows directly from the peace we have received from God through Christ. Human peacemaking is therefore a participation in and a testimony to the greater divine work.
### Summary
The Greek verb eirēnopoiéō (G1517), meaning "to make peace" or "to harmonize," appears uniquely in [[Colossians 1:20]]. In this profound Christological declaration, it describes the unparalleled work of Jesus Christ, who, through the sacrificial shedding of His blood on the cross, actively established peace between God and all things, "whether on earth or in heaven." This divine act of eirēnopoiéō signifies a comprehensive cosmic reconciliation, addressing the fundamental alienation caused by sin. It underscores that true peace is a gracious gift secured by Christ's atoning death, serving as the ultimate foundation and pattern for all human efforts in peacemaking.
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